Choosing the right builder usually involves three criteria, these should always be considered in order of: reputation, price, timescales.

Finding a builder at the right price, with a brilliant and proven reputation (one who’s references you’ve checked), and who can start tomorrow is about as rare as hen’s teeth. Usually, you’ll need to wait several months before a decent builder is able to start work, so it’s wise to factor that into your planning.

 What to consider when appointing a builder:

• A building contract – this sets out the rights of both parties and the general terms of engagement.
• Payment – is transparent about payment terms and can provide a clear stage payment schedule
• References – clients for whom the builder has done work similar to what you’re planning and who are willing to let you view the work and chat to them about how the job progressed
• Communication – is responsive to your calls or messages and get backs to you when they say they will
• Trust your instincts – invariably, you’ll be putting a lot of trust into your chosen builder. So, it’s important you feel 100% happy with the company you have appointed to do the job. A reputable builder will talk you through any part of the contract you are unsure of, and you should not feel pressured into anything you don’t want
• Pricing – it’s important to get prices for identical work when comparing two or more prices. If one price seems a lot higher or lower than others it is often the case that one price will include something the other doesn’t. Elements like landscaping, tiling, decorating, kitchens, and bathrooms often get left out of the quote so it is crucial you know what is and isn’t included in each price
• Timing – If you find a builder who checks out on all of the above points, if you can, it’s almost always worth waiting for them!